Choosing a contractor is a job by itself, and you want to be sure to pick wisely. Even with a great contractor, building a home can be stressful. You never know what you’ll find when you pull up flooring or knock out a wall, rotting subfloors or dangerous electrical wiring might be lying in wait. Surprises hide behind every decision and a bad contractor can mean a botched project. The last thing you want to do is sacrifice more time and money on a failed job. It's an unfortunate problem in the home improvement industry, but to improve your home, you first have to improve the person doing the work. Here are some quick tips to make sure you choose the right contractor.
Ask for references. Friends, family, and co-works are the people you trust, so ask if they know anyone. People who have done similar projects are the best sources untapped resource. They’ll be able to tell you if they loved their contractor, or if you should run for the hills. Also check the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of certified members working in your area. If you have the opportunity, also speak with a building inspector. They’ll know which contractors routinely meet code requirements and which ones cut corner.
Get more than one quote. It’s a good idea to get a minimum of three quotes. Even if you know your contractor, you’ll learn a little from each interview. And don’t automatically go for the lowest quote. There might be a negative reason why they’re willing to do the work for so much less and you don’t want them doing compromised work for a lower price.
Check their licenses, and any history of complaints and litigation. Your contractors should be licensed, but the requirements may change depending on your state. Ask your contractor for a copy of his license and copies of the licenses of the subcontractors who will be working on your home. Don’t forget to check disciplinary board records, Better Business Bureau and local court records for any problems that the contractor may have had with previous clients.
Talk to your contractor. There are plenty of horror stories where contractors ran off before finishing a job the way it was meant to be done. Speak up immediately if you have any concerns and don’t let them brush it off. This is your home and everything should be done to your standard. Speak to your contractor frequently, and make sure everything is proceeding on time and to plan.
Nu-Era Construction is committed to providing our clients with high quality homes. We will communicate with you every step of the way and won’t accept anything less than the best. We want to create the custom home that you have always dreamed of. Our homes at Nu-Era Construction allow you to build a house with a design that works for you. A custom built home is a way to get what you have always wanted instead of being confined to a floor plan that doesn’t truly offer all that you want. We take the time to listen to the homeowners in order to create a home they will truly love, so please consider us as you look for contractors to help build your perfect home.